Fetching the worldís most selling title back in 2013 with a colossal 1.22 million units sold in that year, Toyotaís flagship premium saloon Corolla Altis stands intact in terms of popularity despite fierce competition in its segment. The renowned model from Japanese auto firm Toyota has been around for a while now, in its long itinerary, the vehicle witnessed various facelifts bettering it for good. First rolled out in 1966, which is precisely, 49 years ago, Corolla maintains its class educing the same charm that it had when it was a newcomer in the auto fraternity. Having survived for so long, Corolla is indeed a reliable option in D segment serving customers with the same loyalty over the years. In almost five decades since its birth, the company has sold a staggering high 40.72 million units that spells its excellence. The model series in available in various versions in international markets namely Toyota Corolla Altis, Corolla Axio and Corolla EX 4-door sedans, but in India Toyota sells the Corolla Altis avatar of the saloon.
What is the current model like?
Irrespective of the great admiration Corolla had in earlier years after its induction in domestic market, the premium saloon started losing sheen in the past couple of years. The obvious rusting was due to the rising competition it faced unlike before when there were just one or two rivals that posed feeble threat to the saloon. Alarmed by declining sales, Toyota worked upon the vehicle and spun off a revived version that received a couple of updates putting it in line with rivals. Unleashed at the 2014 Auto Expo held in Greater Noida, new Corolla Altis range gets petrol as well as diesel engine choices.
Changed avatar inside out:
Some of the easily spotted changes were made to the front like a reworked radiator grille flanked by LED head lights and clearance lamps. For improved aerodynamics and balance, Toyota reduced saloonsí height by 5mm. Side now comes with 16 inch alloy rims mounted on all four tyres. Rear is as modish as front, the chrome garnish on the boot lid ornate it further. Besides, new wide rear LED combination lamps appear endearing and accentuate the rear profile. Cabin is a lavish space which offers oodles of space to the passengers in front as well as rear. The extravagant space is courtesy the increased wheelbase which is now longer by 100mm. Modifications made are confined to the styling part, while the equipments on offing remain same. The premium cyber carbon piano black finish on the instrument panel cluster appears chic. Three spoke steering wheel gets mounted Bluetooth controls; the optitron meter with illumination gets new design and chrome work is done amply including chrome door handles.
Agile gizmos for comfort and safety:
The navigation gets a new 7.0 inch LCD Touch screen and voice command enables audio system with USB port, Bluetooth and audio. For the convenience of rear passengers, rear gets reclining seats, moreover the increased leg room at rear adds to the snug quotient of the cabin. Besides, reading lamp at rear, sunshade at rear and power socket contribute towards a comfort packed space at the back. There is something for driverís respite too, the driving position has been improved substantially by altering the angle of steering wheel to 22 degree from the previous 24 degree. Even the vertical adjustment of seat has been elevated by 15mm from 45mm to 60mm. There is a prominent change in terms of safety, equipments like rear camera with display audio screen, brake assist with EBD and ABS, rear fog light on RH side, dual SRS airbags, GOA body and immobiliser vouch for the safety of the occupants.
For Information on New bikes in India visit Bikeportal.in.
